Air conditioning

Heat pumps in Belgium

A heat pump only performs well at a low flow temperature, which makes the existing emitters the decisive point. Radiators sized for high temperatures give out less heat at a lower flow, forcing the pump to work higher and cutting efficiency. So we first test the emitters against the heat demand, establish the flow temperature that is achievable, and only then decide on output and type.

Heat pumps: technician adjusting a heating manifold with valves and gauges

Our approach

Choose the heat pump after testing the emitters

For every heat pump we follow the same order: test demand and emitters, set the achievable flow, choose type and output, install after flushing, then configure the weather curve with measured values.

  1. 01

    Test emitters against demand

    We calculate the heat demand and measure the output of the existing radiators or floor circuits. From that follows the flow temperature required, and whether adapting the emitters is worthwhile.

  2. 02

    Choose type and output

    From the achievable flow temperature and the demand, the output is set. Oversizing causes short cycling in mild weather, which limits both efficiency and service life.

  3. 03

    Install the system

    The outdoor unit goes where air circulates freely and taking noise for neighbouring homes into account. The circuit is flushed before connection so debris cannot reach the exchanger.

  4. 04

    Configure and measure

    Weather curve and backup heat are configured and tested at different outdoor temperatures. We measure flow and return and record the values as the reference for servicing.

Why emitters decide

Where a heat pump disappoints

A heat pump forced to a high flow temperature delivers less comfort per kilowatt-hour. Radiators sized for high temperatures output less at a lower flow, so the pump has to work higher.

Oversized output causes short cycling in mild weather. That wears components and limits efficiency even when the appliance itself is sound.

An outdoor unit without free airflow or poorly sited for noise creates complaints unrelated to the type. Flushing the existing circuit before connection keeps debris out of the exchanger.

From heat pump to domestic hot water: technician adjusting a heating manifold with valves and gauges

Related work

From heat pump to domestic hot water

Sometimes air-to-air is enough; sometimes you also need hot water or a hybrid path. We match the choice to what the emitters allow.

Signs to watch

When a heat pump survey makes sense

These situations call for testing emitters and the achievable flow temperature before you choose a type.

  • You want to cut gas use and are exploring a heat pump, provided the emitters cooperate.
  • Existing radiators feel lukewarm at a lower weather curve.
  • Underfloor or other low-temperature emitters are already in place.
  • A pump already fitted short-cycles or fails to reach the required temperature.
  • You plan to renovate emitters and generation in the same phase.
  • You are considering support schemes; eligibility depends on the rules in force.
Not sure? Call +32 2 000 00 00

Before we arrive

What you can prepare for the heat pump visit

Information about the existing heating speeds up the emitter check.

  1. 01

    Note the emitter type

    Radiators, convectors or underfloor heating, and whether low-temperature zones already exist. Photos of manifolds help.

  2. 02

    Gather consumption figures if available

    Annual gas or electricity use and any earlier heat-loss calculations add context. Without figures we start from the on-site survey.

  3. 03

    Suggest a place for the outdoor unit

    Think free airflow, distance from bedrooms and access for servicing. We check noise and clearances on site.

  4. 04

    Mention backup heat or hybrid wishes

    Keeping the existing boiler as backup changes the controls. Note that before the visit.

Clear pricing

A quote after testing the emitters

Installation on quote: we set the price after a visit on site.

Price depends on output, type, emitter adaptations, pipework and outdoor unit siting. A simple air-to-air setup is not priced like an install with adapted radiators or hybrid controls.

After the on-site survey you get a quote before we start. Any support depends on your situation and the rules in force; we do not promise an amount.

Benefits

  • Existing emitters tested against heat demand before the choice
  • Achievable flow temperature established rather than assumed
  • Outdoor unit sited with clearances and attention to noise
  • Backup heat and weather curve matched to the emitters
  • Measured values at handover as the reference for servicing

Equipment & techniques

Contact thermometer for flow and return Manifold with digital pressure measurement Flushing equipment for the existing circuit Sound meter for the outdoor unit position Flow measurement on the heating circuit Vacuum pump and vacuum gauge

Handling refrigerants requires certification; some systems need a periodic leak check, under conditions. The rules and their sources

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Question not on the list? We answer it by phone, no obligation.

+32 2 000 00 00
What does a heat pump installation cost?

Installation on quote: we set the price after a visit on site. The final price depends on the type of heat pump, its output, any changes needed to the emitters (radiators or underfloor heating) and where the outdoor unit goes.

Will a heat pump work with my existing radiators?

It depends on the heat demand and emitter output at a lower flow temperature. We measure and calculate before choosing a type. Sometimes emitters need adapting, sometimes not.

What efficiency should I expect?

Efficiency depends on the achievable flow temperature, outdoor temperature and the emitters. We do not promise fixed COP figures; we set the system from measured flow and return.

Are there subsidies?

Possibly, depending on your situation and the rules in force. We point you to official channels; we do not build support into the price without your confirmation.

How soon can installation start?

Not without a prior survey of emitters and routes. We then schedule installation depending on the area and availability. Our line is available 24/7.

Do I get a warranty on the installation?

Up to 2 years warranty on labour; parts carry the manufacturer’s warranty.

When should you call a heat pump technician straight away?

Some signs call for switching the unit off and calling: an error code that keeps returning, no heating or hot water, ice that stays on the outdoor unit, an unusual mechanical noise or a breaker that trips. Avoid resetting the unit again and again: the lockout points to a fault that needs tracing.

Coverage area

Present in Brussels, in Wallonia and in Flanders

42

cities served · air conditioning

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Why Van Dijk Home

A heat pump that fails to deliver what was expected is almost always connected at too high a flow temperature. We test emitters against demand before choosing a type, flush the circuit, and configure the curve with measured values.

Heat pumps: need help? Call us to check our availability.

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